FG Approves Medical Fellowships as PhD Equivalent in Nigerian Universities

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a landmark policy recognising medical fellowship qualifications as equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree for medical professionals pursuing academic careers in universities. The decision, taken by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, following a Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This policy means that medical doctors with recognised fellowships from accredited institutions such as the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) and the West African College of Physicians (WACP) can now advance in academia without needing a separate PhD. The move aims to align Nigeria’s academic system with global standards, recognising the rigorous clinical practice, research, and academic work involved in fellowship training.

For years, Nigerian universities and professional bodies debated whether fellowship qualifications should substitute for a PhD in attaining senior academic ranks such as senior lecturer, associate professor, or professor. Many institutions, guided by National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations, required a PhD for promotion, even for experienced clinicians. The new policy resolves this long-standing issue, allowing medical specialists to focus on teaching, research, and clinical service without additional academic barriers.

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Benefits for Medical Education and Career Progression

Experts believe the policy will significantly improve the career prospects of clinician-lecturers, many of whom previously struggled to pursue PhD programmes due to the demanding nature of residency and fellowship training. Recognising fellowships as equivalent to a PhD will encourage more specialists to engage in academic research, enhance medical education quality, and ensure experienced clinicians can occupy senior academic positions while contributing to healthcare delivery.

The policy also forms part of broader federal education reforms, including a six-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions and revitalisation of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC). These measures aim to improve academic standards, address workforce gaps in universities, and ensure professional training systems in Nigeria meet international best practices.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a major step toward resolving structural challenges in medical education and supporting the growth of a performance-driven, quality-focused university system.

FG Approves Medical Fellowships as PhD Equivalent in Nigerian Universities

FEC Approves 100% Gratuity for Retiring Federal Civil Servants

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a groundbreaking Exit Benefit Scheme that will grant retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100% of their total annual salary and allowances. The initiative aims to strengthen welfare and retirement security within the Nigerian civil service.

The policy, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, will benefit federal employees who have served the government for at least ten years before retirement. The scheme was announced in a statement released on Thursday by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.

The new scheme marks a significant policy shift designed to enhance retirement benefits for civil servants operating under the Contributory Pension Scheme, which was introduced in 2004.

Eligible federal civil servants will receive a one-time gratuity payment equivalent to their full annual salary and allowances upon retirement, in addition to their pension benefits. Officials say the measure is intended to provide a stronger financial safety net for retirees, ensuring that civil servants who dedicate their careers to public service can retire with dignity and financial stability.

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The scheme will apply to workers in Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the federal government. The policy was developed after extensive deliberations and technical work by an inter-ministerial committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The committee collaborated with key institutions, including the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to create a sustainable framework for implementation.

Historic Milestone for Civil Service Reform

Reacting to the approval, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the decision as a historic milestone in the ongoing reform of the federal civil service. She noted that the new scheme demonstrates the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of public servants.

“This approval is a profound acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development,” Walson-Jack said. She added that the initiative will significantly enhance the retirement package available to federal civil servants and strengthen confidence in government policies designed to improve workers’ welfare. Detailed guidelines for the scheme’s implementation will soon be issued to guide ministries, departments, and agencies.

Reform After More Than Two Decades

The introduction of the Exit Benefit Scheme represents the first major gratuity provision for federal civil servants since the launch of the contributory pension system over twenty years ago. Analysts believe the new policy will address long-standing concerns about retirement security among government workers and boost morale within the federal civil service.

Officials highlight that the scheme aligns with broader civil service reforms aimed at creating a more motivated, performance-driven, and people-centered public service, capable of supporting Nigeria’s national development goals. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that civil servants who dedicate their careers to public service are adequately rewarded upon retirement.

FEC Approves 100% Gratuity for Retiring Federal Civil Servants

FG Allocates ₦5.6bn for New Carter Bridge as Old Structure Fails Safety Test

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the demolition and complete reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos, declaring the ageing structure beyond rehabilitation. The decision aims to ensure road safety, reduce congestion, and modernize one of Nigeria’s most critical transport arteries.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed after the council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu that ₦5.6 billion has been allocated to hire advanced engineering consultants for the design and cost assessment of the new bridge. Umahi explained that extensive technical assessments and consultations revealed that the current bridge could no longer safely serve traffic.

“The total recommendation was that Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated; it should be demolished and a new bridge constructed,” Umahi said.

Carter Bridge connects Lagos Island to the mainland and is a vital corridor for commuters, cargo vehicles, and commercial traffic. Its reconstruction is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve transportation safety, and support economic activity in Nigeria’s largest commercial hub.

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Part of a Nationwide Infrastructure Upgrade

The Carter Bridge project forms part of a broader federal infrastructure program. FEC also approved several major road projects across the country, including:

• Reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road in the Southwest
• Redesign of the Kano–Kongolam Road in Northern Nigeria
• Rehabilitation of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road in the North-Central region
• Completion of the Suleja–Minna Road
• Reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road

Umahi emphasized that these are strategic, long-term infrastructure projects, not temporary fixes, and the government aims to deliver at least four completed projects per region for presidential commissioning by May 15.

“These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects for national development,” the minister added.

Modernization and Economic Impact

The new Carter Bridge will incorporate contemporary engineering standards, enhanced durability, and increased capacity for vehicles and pedestrians. Officials say the project will also attract private sector participation, create skilled jobs, and strengthen Lagos’ transport network.

By replacing the ageing structure, the federal government intends to ensure that major transport routes across Nigeria meet modern safety and operational standards, while supporting economic growth and improving daily mobility for millions of Lagos residents.

FG Allocates ₦5.6bn for New Carter Bridge as Old Structure Fails Safety Test